The photo he sent us on Friday afternoon Anastasia Carbonari It's certainly not the one with the best profile. This is the story of an interview that began and ended three days ago and which, given the news, we had to update. However, despite what just happened, her spirits are not lacking, and it heartens us to hear her like this.
«If you have any other questions I have a lot of free time to answer now "—Carbonari tells us from Maastricht Hospital—"The diagnosis is fractures to a scapula, five ribs, and two vertebrae. Then they told me that since I also hit my head, I'll be a bit dizzy for a few weeks.
«I'm messing up my English, but Maybe I'll start speaking Latvian, since they made fun of me saying I can't.In 2019 I had been invested in training, but the recovery times had been very long. Now I'm looking at who has had the same thing happen recently, to see how long it will take for me to get back on the bike.».
Exaggerated risks
Friday's accident involving the 22-year-old Valcar Travel&Service, looking at the images, it could have had much worse consequences. She only remembers that she was at the back of a small group and that she hit a black pickup. The dynamics are not yet clear, but what is certain and what makes us angry is that in a WorldTour race like the Simac Ladies there was a car in the middle of the road and it shouldn't have been there, although reported at the last minute by a member of the technical escort.
Some say that the Dutch race already showed some danger in the previous days and that in the same stage there were car maneuvering as the group approached the CaubergSome say this is the cyclist's job, that it's part of the game. That's not true.
The topic of security will never go out of fashion and we will leave it for further insights, but now together with Carbonari we just want to rewind the tape of our chat from the day before starting from a message of his from a few hours earlier.
Anastasia, we were one answer behind. You've run so many miles this year. What does that mean to you?
It's first of all a way to show off. And also for be part of the race, because I realize that on some routes, when the race gets into full swing, I still don't have the ability to stay with the first onesSo getting an advantage or starting early is a way to be more useful to my team without just being a number attached to the shirt. Then there is also an almost preparatory aspect. For example, in my first race of the season, the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, there was some paving to be done. “Capo” (as the team manager is called) Davide Arzeni, ed.) I still didn't feel confident enough to tackle it in a group and so in the morning he advised me to go on the run so he could get the measure of us with less anxiety.
You've had a busy schedule so far.
Yes, that's right, I did 50 days of running. Let's say I've tested myself on many terrainsNot just cobblestones, but also steep climbs in the Ardennes, tough climbs in the Basque Country. Or even races in the North with lots of wind. Here, up there I learned to spin in the fans…
Please explain.
All Ronde van Drenthe opened one and I didn't know what to do. Everyone assumes it's easy to get involved, but it's not. If you don't turn in the right way, not only do you struggle more, but also your companions or colleagues around you.And at that point you can get some reprimands (smiles, ed.). Luckily, after that day the Boss explained the technique to me and how to behave. But This year I learned a lot by observing my classmates, even in small things outside of the race.
Accident aside, how's your year going?
Positive. I'm satisfied with what I've done. If I think about how I was at the start of the season and how I am now, I see a big difference. Now I have more experienceI feel more comfortable in a group. I can manage myself better, even though I still have a lot to improve on. But above all, I'm happy because now I feel really useful to the team.
During the Giro Donne, Arzeni told us you were ready for a WorldTour team. Instead, you'll stay with Valcar. How are you coping with this situation?
Having a person like him who believes in you is important, especially for a young girl like meI'm flattered by his words and also by the interest I've had from a WorldTour team.But I'm aware that I have to grow in many ways. Valcar has the right environment to do so peacefully. I'm sure Davide will leave us some advice to continue our growth process..
Speaking of awareness, in 2023 you'll be one of the team's forwards. Do you feel ready?
I know I will have more responsibilitiesAnd I'll have to learn to live with it, but I'm not scared. Or rather, I know I need to improve my pre-race mental management. I have to eliminate anxieties and fearsI'll have to become more cool-headed and not panic if something doesn't go right or the way I wanted it. I'll put myself out there. I'm stimulated and also excitedI'm curious to see what comes out.
Goals for next year? Do you have a red-circle race?
I would like run without wasting energyKnowing how and when to move or give my all to my teammates who will be better suited than me for a given race. I have the characteristics of a long-distance cyclist. Arzeni says that an undulating route suits me. In fact, he claims that the Strade Bianche is right for me, also because I did cyclocross as a student and junior.But I would be happy with a result in any other race.
